More than the pandemic itself and fear of contracting COVID, employees are being weighed down by the increased pressure in their jobs. (Photo: Shutterstock)
At this point, we don't need more research to illustrate the significant impact the pandemic has had on Americans' mental health. But, with so much flux over the past year and a half, understanding the causes of decline and how it's impacting groups differently is a little more nuanced.
A recent survey from The Conference Board pinpoints the driving factor of mental health issues among workers: Their workload. More than the pandemic itself and fear of contracting COVID, employees are being weighed down by the increased pressure in their jobs.
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"The pandemic blurred the line between work and home life, due in part to continuous connectivity and an increased sense of urgency due to the economic crisis," said Amy Lui Abel, PhD, Vice President, Human Capital Research at The Conference Board. "These findings reveal the notable impact this lack of boundaries has had and speaks to the need for leaders to both reevaluate the efficacy of programs to support worker well-being and to better communicate about the availability of these resources."
Given the blurring of boundaries, it shouldn't be surprising that women report feeling work-related stress at a rate of 1.5 times their male counterparts.
"Women in particular face a disproportionate amount of pressure due to the combined demands of work and home life," said Rebecca Ray, PhD, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board. "If business leaders hope to cultivate a second-to-none workforce, especially in this tight labor market, improving the employee experience by providing flexibility must play a key role in their business strategy."
So what are employers doing to address the unique mental health needs not only of women but other demographics? Take a look:
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Emily Payne
Emily Payne is director, content analytics for ALM's Business & Finance Markets and former managing editor for BenefitsPRO. A Wisconsin native, she has spent the past decade writing and editing for various athletic and fitness publications. She holds an English degree and Business certificate from the University of Wisconsin.
